1951 Jesse Owens Harlem Globetrotters Basketball Poster

First example we have ever seen of this rare Harlem Globetrotters advertising poster (28 x 42 inches), which invites fans to come out and see the legendary Jesse Owens and "The Wonder Five" in action. The poster is printed in patriotic red, white, and blue. We were not aware that the great Jesse Owens had ever played for the Globetrotters, but in researching this poster we found that Owens joined the Globetrotters as a special guest in 1951, when the State Department contacted team owner Abe Saperstein, and requested that the Globetrotters play a game in the Allied section of Berlin to help counteract growing communism in East Germany. The Globetrotters played before 75,000 fans packed into Berlin's Olympic Stadium. Prior to the game, Owens was flown in by helicopter as their special guest and received a 15-minute ovation. This extremely rare poster advertises this game. It was during the 1936 Olympics that Owens first established himself as one of the world of sport's greatest track and field athletes in history, when he embarrassed Hitler by winning gold medals in four events, establishing several new world records. In the 1970s, two US Presidents honored Owens with the Medal of Freedom and a Living Legends Award. This is an extraordinary Cold War era poster, with a fascinating story. Ideal for display. The poster is linen-backed and is in overall Near Mint condition. Reserve $400. Estimate $800/$1,200.SOLD FOR $805.00

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